Add 10 Years to Your Image

Add 10 Years to Your ImageAdd 10 Years to Your ImageOlder candidates arent the only ones who worry about how theyre perceived by employers. Younger candidates for senior positions can take a few steps to raise their credibility.One of my more popular columns for Ladders was titled Take 10 Years Off Your Image. My tone was a bit tongue in cheek, but the theme struck a chord with many readers who told me about their own concerns about age discrimination on the job hunt.Its not just older candidates who worry about how theyre perceived by employers I received a number of letters from younger six-figure earners, many of them from sales and technology.Some of these fresh-faced candidates were concerned that their youthful appearance had kept them from six-figure jobs for which they were qualified.Men often fret about having baby faces, and many of them wrote about growing facial hair to compensate. (Or overcompensate When you landsee male models in fashion magazines with that scruffy loo k, it signifies cool youth, but a mustache screams 1970s Marlboro Man.)Maybe theres a simpler way to get the respect your qualifications deserve Produce your W-2 form from your previous employer.Show what you have made. It speaks volumes at any age.If you dont have a W-2 form to back it up, then you may not deserve the income you think you do.However, if you think you simply need a little competitive edge, let me give you Stephen Viscusis bulletproof tips to be perceived as more mature then you appear1. Be more than just a job seeker.Talk about yourself outside the boundaries of a normal interview.2. Spill the beans.Tell the things someone legally will not ask you but everyone wants to know. Are you married or single? (But for goodness sake, dont say you just got engaged No one wants to hire someone about to plan a wedding.) In the end though, more responsibility means you need more money. Have mortgage? Talk about it Kids are worth a lot.3. tischset your Facebook to Private.Use you r privacy settings on your Facebook, MySpace or any social-network profile.4. Get a land line.Have an appropriate phone message on your cell phone and try and have a landline, like most adults do for when a prospective employer calls you.5. Dont get overstyled.Young men today tend to overdo their eyebrows.6. No man-bags.7. No cologne or perfume.8. Get a suit, even if youre a creative.No matter what the job, wear a suit for the interview even if you will not be wearing one at the job itself. Women Wear what flatters your body the most. It is an interview, for goodness sake treat it as something special.9. Lose the parental dependency.Never refer to your parents or living at home.10. Dont pretend to be a lifer.When prospective employers ask you where you see yourself in five years, dont say, In your job. It wouldve been fine in years past, but now you may scare them. And trust me Nowadays you may have your boss job in five months, not five years.It might not be your looks in the en d. Dont confuse what you made in the past with what you think you are worth. Also, remember even if you still have a job, you might have been asked to take a 20 percent pay cut or more, like many six-figure earners have.Age and industry go hand in hand. There is a reality show on TV right now called Million Dollar Listing. I dont believe anyone is over 30 years old on it. It is made up of realtors, based out of LA, all making mid- to very high six-figure incomes. The men and women all earning big bucks on this show look more like tweens from The Real World than six-figure earners but they are the real thing. In the end, young is cool which is why the customers end up buying from these young, confident brokers. Just look at Silicon Valley. Those of you who think you may look too young are searching for an excuse that is probably not legitimate.Finally, I know what some Ivy League grads are asking themselves What about qualifications and years of experience? What do they count for? As a doctor, lawyer, accountant or rocket scientist a lot. Otherwise, its more about you as a person.

The Worst Times to Quit Your Job

The Worst Times to Quit Your JobThe Worst Times to Quit Your JobThere might never be a perfect time to quit your job, but some times are worse than others. Even if you hate your job and you want out of there as soon as possible, its better to make an informed decision and leave when the timing is right. Dont decide in haste and quit in the heat of the moment- it could cost you money and negatively affect your future career prospects. Be aya to consider all the factors carefully when youre thinking about handing in your resignation and weigh the pros and cons of your reasons for moving on. Reasons to StayYou have elendhing else lined up...and no savings.You dont have a long-term career plan, so your move would be more lateral than upward.Youve recently committed to a project so you would be leaving your team and your employer shorthanded at a critical time.Reasons to GoYour days with the company are probably numbered anyway, so explaining your resignation to a potential new employer i s easier than explaining why you were fired.You have one or more solid job prospects in the wings.It might be time to move on if your employer treats you so poorly that each day is a stressful, emotional ordeal. You Fought With Your Boss or Co-Worker If you have a conflict at work that cant be repaired- and that can happen- think strategically about the best way to move forward. Make sure youre not making a rash decision. Explore ending on good terms so you get a positive reference. You Dont Have Another Job Lined Up It isnt always easy to get hired, and it can be harder to find a job when youre out of work and desperate. Factors such as a down job market or your occupation not being in demand can make it an uphill battle. Hold off quitting until youve been hired elsewhere if youre in an industry with a poor job outlook. Youre About to Be Fired There are both pros and cons to quitting before it happens if you think youre about to be fired or laid off. If you quit, you wo nt have to explain to future employers during job interviews that you were terminated. Its easier to explain a resignation. The flip side is that quitting could disqualify you from collecting unemployment. When it seems pretty certain that a layoff is in your future, it might be better to wait until it happens. In addition to unemployment, you could be offered a severance package that will help you transition to new employment. Youre in Line for a Promotion Is there a promotion on the horizon? You might want to put that better job title on your resume. It will provide you with additional opportunities when youre ready to begin job hunting, and you might even like the new job enough that you decide to stay. You Dont Have an Emergency Fund Quitting can be expensive. Do you have an emergency fund with enough money to titel your expenses for a month or two...or six? Keep in mind that even if youre hired reasonably quickly, the job might not start immediately and you might have t o play catchup with at least a few bills. You Havent Really Decided on a Career Yet Do you have a clear idea of the next step on your career path? You might want to do some career research before you start looking for a job if youre not sure. Try to figure out career options while you still have job security. Take evening or online classes, volunteer on weekends, and explore some ideas for what you want to do next. Youre About to Get a Bonus Does your company give annual or holiday bonuses? You might not be entitled to receive yours if you quit shortly before yours is due. In fact, you probably wont. Hold off until afterward to ensure that you get your extra pay. Youve Taken on a Big Project It might be a good time for you to move on, but it could be the worst possible time for your boss and your team if youve just taken on a big project. Unless you must quit due a personal safety, health, or wellness issue, quitting right after youve agreed to take on a big project can reflect poorly on you and rob you of good references. The voreingestellt notice period is at least two weeks. You should consider giving your employer even more of a heads-up if youve just agreed to take on a project. You Havent Finished Classes Reimbursed by Your Employer If your employer has provided you or your family with a tuition benefit, you could lose it if you quit while you or your dependents are still in school. Check the fine print of your tuition reimbursement plan and act accordingly. Your 401(k) or Pension Is About to Vest Think long-term. It could be worth holding off on your resignation if its a matter of staying just another month or two to get additional retirement benefits. Consider what you want to do with your 401(k) and how much its going to cost you if you leave your job now. You Have a Baby...Or Youre About to Have One You might be entitled to paid or unpaid time off if youre pregnant or have an infant. Check on what happens to your eligibility b efore you decide to resign while youre on maternity leave. It could make sense to wait and turn in your resignation when youre near the end of your leave. You Still Have Vacation Time Some employers have use it or lose it vacation policies. Consider using your time if you have vacation or other paid leave still on the table and it seems likely that youll lose if you dont take it, or you wont be compensated for it if you quit. If you dont have a new job lined up yet, you could use your vacation time to find one. You or a Loved One Have Health Problems The Family and Medical Leave Act provides for unpaid time off if you or a family member are undergoing medical treatment and you need time off from work to deal with that. Your state or employer might also offer paid disability benefits. You must have worked for your employer for a certain period of time to qualify for most benefits. Also check on any employer-provided health insurance benefits to see what happens with your poli cy if you terminate employment. How to Decide When to Quit Think smart and carefully plan your departure so youre quitting at the best time. Consider if theres a way you could turn things around and learn to love your job. If not, make the decision to quit on your terms, and have a timeline for your departure in place. Take time to carefully and professionally tell your boss that youre leaving, and negotiate a start date with a new employer and a departure date with your old one to help the whole process move along more smoothly. You wont burn any bridges, and you wont have to stress about any of the details. Youll be able to focus all your energy on starting your new job and enjoying your brand new position.

How to Take Your Product to Market in Just 5 Steps

How to Take Your Product to Market in Just 5 StepsHow to Take Your Product to Market in Just 5 StepsYouve been through development and testing. Youveconducted the focus groups and took a deep dive into market research. The packaging for your product is perfected, andal you have to do now is to sell it. Unfortunately, easier said than done. Getting your message out- despite the revolutionary nature of your product- involves overcoming consumer doubts, beating the competition, and setting a price point that makes money for you without turning off kompetenzprofil buyers. To that end, you need exceptional product knowledge, creativity, imagination, persistence,and a ton of energy. However, if you adhere to the following steps, you should see the results youre looking for. And dont worry. Whether youre aprofessional speaker, coach, entertainer, oradvertising professional, the strategy is still the same. Create a Marketing Plan An excellent marketing plan is essential and serves as the blueprint for your geschftsleben success. Begin by confirming that there is actually a market for your product. Start by doing your research online, and at your local library, or bookstore. There is a plethora of information and literature available to help you determine if there is a target audience for what you want to sell. You should also do a search on businesses similar to yours and (if possible) speak to individuals who operate those businesses. Attending trade shows and joining your industry trade association is anotlageher way to conduct this research. Next, write down your specific goals, objectives, and the desired outcome for your business. After youve done this, youre ready to create your marketing plan. Be sure to include your Product descriptionTarget marketCustomer demographicsPriceProduct GuaranteeCompetitionPromotion andAdvertising PlansProfit PercentageProduct and Liability InsuranceLaunch Budget Set a Launch Date What is the exact date your product goes on a shelf, in a rack, in front of an audience, or online? Write it down. Your launch dateis considered your debut, or grand opening. It is the day your customers line up on the street or in cyberspace to be the first in line to buy your product. Figure out your launch date and then work backward to set a timeframe for everything else. Especially if its a seasonal product, this is key. Typically, a launch date is not less than six months in advance of product introduction but your launch date could be 18 months, for longer. Just be sure to leave enough time to conduct a strong marketing campaign. And, whatever date you come up with, factor in a few extra weeks for those unexpected snafus that always arise. Be sure to factor in enough time to arrange radio, TV, digital, and print interviews to get your news out- and dont forget long lead time publications like industry newsletters. Work With a Business Coach or Small Group Everyone can benefit from the guidance and support of profe ssionals. A business coach or a business support group can help you with any business concerns (such as the best payment system for your online product). Support groups, on the other hand, can help hold you accountable to reach your daily goals and objectives. You can meet with people once a week, once a month, or once a quarter. Its up to you. Take Action Every Day I cant stress enough the importance of this step. You must do something every day that moves you closer to introducing your product. In addition to hardcore tactics (like finding the right PR firm), make sure youre out there networking and establishing business relationships in your community. A good place to start is by joining your chamber of commerce. Consider Starting Small and Then Sell, Sell, Sell But not without a focused strategy. Depending on your product and respective marketing plan, you may want to start out selling to individuals, then approaching small businesses. Once you get the kinks out and have a good sense of how big your potential market is, you can expand to include retail or wholesale operations. Business-to-business selling is often fundamental to the success of many products. Frann Briggs is a professional speaker, renowned author businesswoman, and educator.

Key Technology and Marketing Trends for 2017

Key Technology and Marketing Trends for 2017 Key Technology and Marketing Trends for 2017 Technology and marketing are deeply intertwined. The connection between the two will only become stronger and more complex in 2017. What are CMOs discussing on social media? While lots of compelling subjects are broached, conversations are increasingly focused on technology and innovation. Marketing leaders are clearly coming to grips with the fact that the world around them is changing faster than ever and that incremental tech optimizations or rehashes of what used to work will not be enough. Leadtail looked at more than 309,000 tweets from 1,318 CMOs published on Twitter during the third and fourth quarters of 2016. The analysis provides insights into timely topics that marketers at all levels need to tune into. Here are some specific technology and marketing trends generating discussion today: #AI and #MachineLearning Across industries and functions, everyone is talking about artificial intelligence. CMOs are sharing lots of articles about the coming wave of AI and machine learning. Prognosticators are already saying AI will dramatically affect everything from management to healthcare, finance and insurance. Even the entertainment industry is being impacted. It seems there’s no industry where AI is not being discussed. So, although it’s still pretty early in the AI narrative, marketers need to boost their understanding of it now. They need to know how AI could potentially intersect with their company’s current (or upcoming) product and service offerings. Read up and think strategically about where the technology and marketing lines might end up converging. #IoT Marketers are looking at the Internet of Things in terms of creating new and engaging customer experiences. Wearables, smart home hubs and other IoT-enabled devices promise to deliver troves of data. This will change how consumers shop. It will also alter how companies price, deliver and service everything from home appliances to subscription video services. As the owner and defender of the customer experience, marketers can help their organizations separate the signal from the noise. Think about what new streams of data can be turned into valuable insights for the company, while also providing valuable features to customers and clients. #VR Yet another area that has marketers talking is virtual reality. Things hit a fever pitch in the summer of 2016 with the launch of Pokémon Go, bubbled up again with the innovative launch of Snapchat Spectacles, and achieved a steady boil with Google’s Daydream View VR headsets hitting the market in time for the holidays. For marketers who truly care about storytelling and connecting with consumers, VR has moved from nice-to-have to must-do. And B2B marketers must consider how VR can play a role in their marketing efforts - through interactive product demos, or simply by creating virtual meeting spaces that make it easier to get face time with various stakeholders involved in complex purchases. VR may be the biggest area for marketers to track in the year ahead. HIRING MARKETERS? WE CAN HELP! Here are more details about Leadtail's findings:

Sample Resume for Air Traffic Controller Job Position

Sample Resume for Air Traffic Controller Job Position Sample Resume for Air Traffic Controller Job Position Although the number of flights is expected to increase in coming years, improving technology means that competition for air traffic control jobs will remain strong. Increase your chances of landing your dream job by crafting a well-written, strategic resume.There are strict training and licensing requirements for air traffic controllers, so include this information in your summary. Existing air traffic controllers should ensure that their education and certification details are listed clearly in a separate section. Highlight roles that demonstrate your ability to work in a high-pressure environment under work history.Review the air traffic controller resume template below, then create a document that helps your career take off. Create this Resume Norris Lowry3334 Twin Willow LaneFayetteville, NC 28307(666)-825-6506n.lowry@tmail.comObjectiveSeeking a challenging position as Air Traffic Controller in a reputable airlines company whereby my skills in flight and navigation are enhanced .Summary of QualificationsCertified in Ground Control Approach (GCA), 2004 Possesses Control Tower Operator (CTO) Training, 2003Excellent research and writing skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent time management skills Business and operations management Effective leadership skills and ability to motivate peopleProfessional ExperienceSenior Air Traffic Controller, January 2007 PresentPalm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA ResponsibilitiesFacilitated searches for missing aircraft.Scrutinized and checked radio equipment and lights.Obtained records by reviewing records and reports for clarification.Communicated difficulties to emergency services.Examined factors like weather reports, requirements such as fuel and maps. Junior Air Traffic Controller, May 2004- December 2006Monterey Peninsula Airport, Monterey, CA ResponsibilitiesResponded to pilots requests after checking conditions and traffic.Facilitated pre-flight briefings regarding weather conditions, routes, altitudes and other safety information.Provided information to pilots by communicating using radio.Gave directions to pilots about available space on runways.Communicated with pilots and informed them about other plans and conditions.EducationMasters Degree in Aviation, 2004Stanford UniversityBachelor of Aviation, 2002Stanford UniversityCustomize ResumeMore Sample Resumes:Advertising Executive ResumeAgile Business Analyst Resume Air Traffic Controller Resume Airline Pilot Resume

Why your brain procrastinates and how to beat it

Why your brain procrastinates and how to beat it Why your brain procrastinates and how to beat it Procrastinators put off their to-do list, delay deadlines, and generally make more anxiety for themselves and the people around them waiting to see if they can pull it off. But a new study in Psychological Science finds that it may not be entirely their fault. Some brains are more wired to procrastinate.Why some are wired to procrastinateResearchers at Ruhr University Bochum looked at 264 participants’ brains and found that people with larger amygdalas - the parts of our brains that control emotions- were more likely to be procrastinators. These delayers were also more likely to have weaker connections between the amygdala and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex - the decision maker part of our brain when it comes to taking actions.The researchers suggest that these poorer connections interrupt our emotions and self-control and make it harder for people with these brains to focus.  â€œIndividuals with a larger amygdala may be more anxious about the negative consequences of an act ion - they tend to hesitate and put off things,” Erhan Genç, one of the study authors, told the BBC. So next time you are having trouble focusing on work, you can blame your amygdala.How to workaround thisBut you are not doomed by your brain to be a procrastinator. Brains are flexible and you can break out of your procrastination loop once you understand your personal delay tactics.One piece of advice is to break the deadline into more manageable parts, so that you do not get too discouraged to start. If you are an email procrastinator, try making the job of clearing your inbox a daily habit. Respond in a timely manner and delegate the rest. People who made email checking a daily part of their workflow reported feeling less stressed than those who let it pile up, one study found.You can also try reframing the deadline date, so that it feels present. One study found that when people in the summer were faced with a deadline in December or one in January, they were more likely to st art working immediately on the December deadline, even when the other choice is only one month apart, because we think in calendar years. When you work under a 12-month clock, a date in the calendar year seems more doable than one a year later. “While time elapses continuously, it appears that consumers think of time categorically. When thinking of a deadline as being in the same category as the present, consumers are more likely to start working toward their goals sooner,” the study authors concluded.And if personal motivation is not working, recognize that we respond better to outside pressure than our own. In a 2002 study, researchers Dan Ariely and Klaus Wertenbroch recruited 60 students for a test where students got penalized for turning in work late. Some of the students got a weekly deadline, some got one final deadline for all three projects, and some could choose their own deadline. The self-imposed deadline group performed the worst and the group with external deadline performed the best.We can get trapped in our heads to put off our work, but once you start spotting your personal delay tactics, you can break yourself free from them.

The Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity Experts

The Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity Experts The Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity Experts Just about everyone I know is a procrastinator on some level. Going by   Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000-Hour Rule” , basically every college student is an expert procrastinator. But procrastination doesn’t mean putting off work forever and never doing it. For most people (even college students!), work that gets put off must eventually get done. From this perspective, the real masters of putting off work are those who still manage to get everything done - and done well. Luckily, there are some simple productivity techniques that can make your procrastination work for you. In our culture, we tend to vilify procrastination as the antithesis of productivity. When   done correctly , however, procrastination can help you focus in on your goals, gain clarity on what’s important and boost your creativity. Getting all the benefits you can out of your break time means actually learning how to procrastinate. Effective procrastination is built around “active procrastination” or “productive procrastination” techniques.   Strategies can include  restructuring your tasks so that in putting off some work you actually get other valuable tasks done. You might also try pitting your task against your own boredom. (“You don’t have to write that email, but you can’t do anything else.”) Or you could default to certain helpful tasks, like organizing. In fact, active procrastination is often so productive that many people wouldn’t even call it procrastination. Here are some go-to   strategies from success experts . So often we dive into a project with little direction. Give yourself time before and during a project to step back, organize your thoughts or actions and get clarity on what parts of the task are important. This doesn’t have to be terribly formal, either. It can be as simple as clearing the clutter on your desk for focus or clearing the clutter in your planner to decide what’s a priority. It can mean having a coffee and actively thinking about your approach to a problem or job. Whatever it is for you, do that thing that allows you to get your head on straight. “Sometimes it can feel like you’re juggling a million and one things at a time. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it is worth separating all your tasks, correctly prioritizing each one and then resuming action. Doing this can clear things up in your mind and leave you feeling less overwhelmed,” says Jörgen Sundberg of   Link Humans   and   Undercover Recruiter . One of the reasons procrastination is appealing to people is that it creates the needed additional stress to push us to complete tasks or projects. The added pressure of limited time can help us focus and prioritize better. So, let yourself wait until (almost) the last moment. “I have tried many things in the past to get work done: to-do lists, diarying the stuff that I need to do, Pomodoro. However, the best thing I have found so far is the ‘Just in Time’ method of working. You know there is a task to do by a certain date. Two days before the date you spend all your time getting it done, depends on how big the task is of course,” says  Stephen Aitchison of   Change Your Thoughts- Change Your Life . “For instance, I had a program where I needed to make 15 videos. I would normally do this over a span of 3-4 weeks. However, I spent 2 days, before the program went live, and completed the videos. This way you’ve got pressure, you’ve got a commitment and you’ve got the added bonus of not overthinking things, you get out of your own way and just get it done.” Having trouble getting to the gym or writing that blog post? Let yourself procrastinate or dwell on one small step of that process. If you need to head for a workout, allow yourself to spend some time prepping your gym bag (once it’s all ready you’re more likely to go). Need to get the blog post done? Spend some time getting your space right or simply crafting the thesis. “The hardest part of anything is starting, and 9 times out of 10 if I start I can carry myself through and get a lot done. That other one time, where I still can’t do anything? That’s when I know I should just go do something fun and try again later,” says Sean Ogle of   Location 180 . Procrastination allows you to pause and look critically at a project. Taking time to critically analyze what parts of the project are holding you back might help you understand whether or not you are the best person for the task. “Procrastination is a gift. It allows you an opportunity to assess if you are the right person to work on that task or strategy. Overcoming procrastination only takes 15 minutes. If you are really avoiding something you need to ask yourself: Is this something I MUST do?” says  Neen James of   Neenjames.com . “ If the answer is no, determine can you delete it or delegate it. If you can delete it that’s fabulous. If you can delegate it, who is the best person to outsource it to? “ Productive procrastination isn’t necessarily the best fit for everyone. Depending on your situation, you may have better luck nipping procrastination in the bud. There are literally as   many approaches to managing procrastination  as there are people, and no one is always right. So, it’s important to think critically about your work, goals, and priorities when planning for your productivity. This article was originally published on Grammarly . It is reprinted with permission.